Review of The Golden Compass

This Compass Points South

Allright, I'm going to go against my normal persuasion of posting independent reviews and post this one. It really is a discussion worth opening. The Golden Compass was an adequate movie - by regular movie standards. I wasn't cheering for the heroes as much, as I was, in say, The Lord of the Rings, or The Chronicles of Narnia. The main character, Lyra, seems to have an overwhelming problem with authority - it really doesn't matter who, but one of her lines is "Nobody is going to tell me what to do.", and Nicole Kidman's character encourages this attitude (at least as long as she's obeying what Nicole Kidman is telling her what to do!). Also, I drew sharp comparisons - not to only the anti-Christian themes, that are talked about on Focus on the Family's website, but more alarmingly to the seemingly close relationship between Islamic-Jihadist views on Capitalism, Freedom and America. I saw the 'dust' that is spoken of, not only be a symbol for Original Sin, but also for Freedom and the Success that America enjoys. This is pictured as negative. The girl, as well as several others - including Witches, seek to destroy the possibility that would allow Lord Asriel to 'travel to other worlds', or have freedom beyond what the current regime (The Magisterium) can control. I saw Lyra, and the Witches, the Bears, as well as The Egyptians (hmmm), trying to destroy the evil authoritarian rule of the Magisterium (seems like a more than small comparison to some the world's hatred to America and it's success) It more clearly, as far, as to me, showed Mr. Pullman's hatred of God and Christianity, but through the visual depiction of this film, I would seem to question what parallels it has to his view on America as well. I would not suggest this movie - really for anyone. I am glad, though, that I did not have to contribute in any way to the success of this movie at all. I would, recommend, as a family film - Enchanted, or, if you have more than just daughters - This Christmas, or Fred Claus.

Posted on 12/08/07 by: dougiejr3 05:38 PM